Tonight's 2011 NBA All-Star Game could be one of the most talented rosters we have seen in recent years.
Former Atlanta Hawks guard and current Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers will lead the Eastern Conference All-Stars into battle. The starters for the East as voted on by the fans are Chicago's Derrick Rose and Miami's Dwyane Wade. The forwards are Miami's LeBron James and New York' Amare Stoudamire while manning the pivot for the East will be Orlando's Dwight Howard.
Rivers will see many familiar faces on the bench as four Celtics were selected as reserves by the coaches. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo provide some depth for the Eastern Conference and will also be joined by Miami's Chris Bosh and Atlanta's Joe Johnson and Al Horford.
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich will coach the Western Conference All-Star team. The fan voted starters at guard for the West are Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant. They will be joined up front by Kevin Durant and current , at least for the moment, Denver Nugget Carmelo Anthony. Yao Ming was voted to start at center for the West but is injured and will not participate. San Antonio great Tim Duncan will take his place in the starting lineup.
The Western Conference reserves are Manu Ginobili, Pau Gasol, Blake Griffin, Kevin Love, Dirk Nowitzki, Russell Westbrook, and Deron Williams. Love was named to the squad by NBA Commissioner David Stern as an injury replacement for Yao Ming.
Tonight is the 60th anniversary for the NBA's All-Star Game. Coverage begins on TNT tonight at 7 p.m. eastern time with tip off scheduled for around 8 p.m.